Talal Alzefiri had a mission in mind when opening Alhadidi Market in downtown Biddeford.

Alzefiri, is originally from Kuwait, and his mother had trouble finding Middle Eastern spices in Maine. He wanted to make it easier for people like his mother to stock their kitchen and be able to make their favorite foods.

He opened Alhadidi Market about at 288 Main St. about four years ago. Recently he moved the store to a new location at 56 Alfred St. Alzefiri gathered with family and staff from the store as well as city officials last week to celebrate the new location with a ribbon cutting.

“It’s great when a new business really fills a need in the community,” said Biddeford +Saco Chamber of Commerce Director Jim LaBelle.

Alhadidi Market is a fully-stocked Middle Eastern market with Halal meat, a large variety of spices, beverages, canned goods, and snack foods. Alzefiri said he has regular customers that travel from other communities to shop at the market to find items that aren’t carried elsewhere.

Alzefiri came to Maine to attend University of Southern Maine on a soccer scholarship. He also owns Layalini Middle Eastern Restaurant at 273 Main St. and said the City of Biddeford has been really supportive.

“They make things easier for new businesses. They really work with you,” he said.

For more information on Alhadidi Market, check out the shop’s website.

Saco Bay News Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.

Check out the new Saco Bay News shop at Spreadshirt and support local journalism.